Short intro:
A bushel of apples is a common unit in farming, packing and recipes — but how many apples does it actually contain?
This guide breaks down weights, counts by size, packing variations, conversions and commercial context so you can plan, buy or sell with confidence.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Typical weight range for a bushel of apples (42–48 lb).
• Approximate apple counts by size (small, medium, large).
• Conversions between bushels, pecks, pounds and quarts.
• Practical buying, storage and processing yields.
• Novin Trades market view and forecast for apple trade.

KEY STATISTICS (OUTPUT, RESERVES, VACANCIES)

• U.S. production forecast (2025/26): ~279 million bushels (USApple/USDA projections).
• Typical storage/held reserves (recent seasonal snapshot): ~191 million bushels in cold storage (Nov data example).
• Vacancies (variance): apple counts per bushel vary widely — ~80–150 apples depending on size and packing method.

1. how many apples in a bushel
   Summary sentence / SEO snippet: A bushel of apples typically weighs 42–48 pounds in common U.S. practice; that translates roughly into 100–130 medium apples depending on apple weight and packing style.
   A “bushel” is a volume-based market unit historically standardized to a weight for apples by many agencies at 42 lb (commonly used by USDA statistics) though commercial pack weights can range to 48 lb depending on region and packing. Because apple sizes vary, counts vary. Use these approximate conversions: small apples ≈ 150 per bushel, medium ≈ 120–130, large ≈ 80–100. This makes bushels a reliable unit for volume but an imprecise one for exact counts.
   LSI keywords: bushel of apples weight, apples per bushel, 42 pound bushel, apples per bushel medium.
   External source (recommended anchor): USDA / USApple — apple production and bushel definitions. (https://www.usapple.org/news-resources/2025-26-apple-crop-outlook) target="_blank" rel="nofollow"

2. how many apples in a bushel of fruit
   Summary sentence / SEO snippet: When comparing apples to other fruit, a bushel’s weight can vary by commodity, but apples are commonly standardized at 42–48 lb per bushel for both fresh and processing markets.
   “Bushel of fruit” is not one-size-fits-all: peaches, pears and berries use different net weight conversions. For apples, the industry standard used in many reports is 42 lb per bushel for statistical reporting; packers may refer to 42–48 lb depending on pack style (loose, tray, cell). If you’re converting recipes or supply orders, assume 42 lb for apples unless your supplier specifies otherwise.
   LSI keywords: bushel of fruit weight, fruit bushel conversions, 42 lb bushel apples.
   External source (recommended anchor): University Extension conversion tables (UGA Extension weights & yields). (https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/C780/weights-and-processed-yields-of-fruits-and-vegetables/) target="_blank" rel="nofollow"

3. how many apples in a bushel basket
   Summary sentence / SEO snippet: A bushel basket refers to container style and can hold 42–48 lb of apples; counts depend on packing density, but medium apples typically yield ~120–130 apples per basket.
   Bushel baskets (traditional wicker, wooden, or mesh sacks) vary in internal volume and pack density. Hand-packed bushel baskets tend to be less densely packed than tray or cell packaging used in commercial shipping. Expect slightly lower counts in loose wicker baskets than in tightly-packed commercial crates of equivalent net weight. For farm stands, say ~100–130 medium apples per basket as a planning rule.
   LSI keywords: bushel basket apples, apples per basket, bushel basket weight.
   External source (recommended anchor): PickYourOwn — consumer-focused bushel facts and yields. (https://www.pickyourown.org/USapplecrop.htm) target="_blank" rel="nofollow"

4. how many bushels in a ton (and other conversions)
   Summary sentence / SEO snippet: One U.S. ton (2,000 lb) equals roughly ~42–48 bushels of apples, so use ~42 lb per bushel to calculate ≈ 47.6 bushels per ton for statistical work.
   For quick conversions: 1 bushel ≈ 42 lb, 1 peck = 1/4 bushel ≈ 10–12 lb, 1 bushel ≈ 15–18 quarts of applesauce depending on processing. For commercial tonnage estimates, divide total pounds by 42 (or 48 for heavier pack assumptions).
   LSI keywords: bushels to tons, bushel pounds conversion, peck to bushel.
   External source (recommended anchor): Food systems extension pecks-to-pounds table. (https://foodsystems.extension.wisc.edu/files/2023/06/farm5-pecks-to-pounds.pdf) target="_blank" rel="nofollow"

5. how many apples in a peck & smaller measures
   Summary sentence / SEO snippet: A peck equals 1/4 bushel and typically weighs 10–14 lb, or about 30–40 medium apples, depending on size.
   Pecks are handy for smaller harvests or U-pick operations. Remember: 1 bushel = 4 pecks, so scale recipe and storage plans accordingly. If your recipe calls for 1 peck, think roughly 30–40 medium apples.
   LSI keywords: peck apples weight, half bushel, pack sizes.
   External source (recommended anchor): Extension facts & yields (UCANR / state extension pages). (https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2020-09/335881.pdf) target="_blank" rel="nofollow"

6. apple sizes and counts per bushel (small, medium, large)
   Summary sentence / SEO snippet: Counts per bushel vary by apple size: small ≈ 140–160, medium ≈ 110–130, large ≈ 70–95 apples per bushel.
   Industry rules of thumb: 3 medium apples ≈ 1 lb, 4 small apples ≈ 1 lb, 2 large apples ≈ 1 lb. Use these when estimating yields for cider, sauce or wholesale orders. Varietal differences (Honeycrisp vs Gala) also adjust counts.
   LSI keywords: apples per pound, apple size chart, apple weight by variety.
   External source (recommended anchor): PickYourOwn / extension apple measurement table. (https://www.pinetreeappleorchard.com/AppleMeasurementsStorage) target="_blank" rel="nofollow"

7. commercial packing: bushel vs crate vs tray
   Summary sentence / SEO snippet: Commercial packaging (tray packs, bulk bins, boxes) affects net weight per “bushel equivalent”; tray or cell packs often list net weight ranges (37–45 lb) per standard box.
   For trading and logistics, use packer-provided net weight (lbs) rather than assuming a bushel count. Many commercial reports convert production to 42-pound bushel equivalents for statistical comparability; contract terms should always state actual net weight.
   LSI keywords: apple packaging, tray pack weight, bushel equivalent.
   External source (recommended anchor): USDA/NASS apples reports and definitions. (https://www.nass.usda.gov/) target="_blank" rel="nofollow"

8. conversion: bushels to quarts, gallons, and recipes
   Summary sentence / SEO snippet: One bushel of apples produces roughly 12–18 quarts of applesauce or ~10–12 quarts of juice depending on processing method.
   Recipe planners: for pies or sauce, assume 1 bushel = 15–18 quarts applesauce or ~20–24 quarts depending on processing yield tables. These conversions help when estimating yield from orchard harvests to finished goods.
   LSI keywords: apples to quarts conversion, applesauce yield, apple cider yield.
   External source (recommended anchor): UGA weights & processed yields table. (https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/C780/weights-and-processed-yields-of-fruits-and-vegetables/) target="_blank" rel="nofollow"

9. recipes, processing yields and storage from a bushel
   Summary sentence / SEO snippet: Expect about 15–20 quarts of applesauce or ~1 gallon per 36 apples for cider; proper cold storage extends shelf life and preserves commercial value.
   Processing yield depends on variety, juicer or press efficiency, and peeling method. Commercial cold storage and CA (controlled atmosphere) facilities influence reserves and market timing.
   LSI keywords: apple processing yields, applesauce from bushel, apple storage.
   External source (recommended anchor): Extension processing yield tables (UGA / state extension). (https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/C780/weights-and-processed-yields-of-fruits-and-vegetables/) target="_blank" rel="nofollow"

10. buying, storing and pricing a bushel — practical tips
    Summary sentence / SEO snippet: When buying a bushel, confirm net pounds and packing style; store at cool temps (32–36°F) with high humidity for longest life and best commercial value.
    For small buyers: inspect fruit for bruising and ask whether price is per bushel (volume) or per net weight. For sellers: label net weight to avoid disputes. Storage: CA rooms extend commercial life; cold storage numbers are tracked seasonally by industry reports.
    LSI keywords: buy bushel apples, storing apples, cold storage apples.
    External source (recommended anchor): USApple industry outlook and storage data. (https://www.usapple.org/news-resources/2025-26-apple-crop-outlook) target="_blank" rel="nofollow"

CONCLUSION
Summary sentence / SEO snippet: A bushel is a practical measure rather than an exact count — assume 42–48 lb and ~80–150 apples depending on size; always convert using net pounds for commerce.
If you need exact counts for recipes or contracts, request net weight from the seller or weigh a sample of apples to get an apples-per-pound figure for your variety and packing method.

NOVIN TRADES MARKET VIEW AND FORECAST
SEO snippet: NovinTrades tracks commodity flows and storage, helping buyers and sellers convert agricultural units into actionable trade volumes.
NovinTrades notes that apple volumes are reported in 42-pound bushel equivalents in most U.S. and export statistics. With the 2025/26 U.S. production forecast at ~279 million bushels, market dynamics will be influenced by storage levels, export demand and processing demand (juice/cider). Expect typical seasonal price pressure at harvest, stabilization in cold storage months, and tightened availability if cold storage drawdowns accelerate. For trade planning, convert your contract language to net weight (lbs or kg) and specify pack type.
External links / company resources: NovinTrades products page (https://www.novintrades.com/products) target="_blank" rel="nofollow"
Join our Telegram for market alerts: https://t.me/novintrades target="_blank" rel="nofollow"

NovinTrades introduction (brand section, SEO snippet & LSI keywords):
NovinTrades builds a next-generation B2B marketplace connecting buyers and sellers across oil products, chemicals, minerals, building materials and food supplies. With data-driven insights and strategic reportage, NovinTrades supports commercial intelligence and exposure for suppliers worldwide. Visit our Reportages for SEO-optimized sponsored content and market analysis.
Links: NovinTrades homepage (https://www.novintrades.com) target="_blank" rel="nofollow"
Reportages (https://www.novintrades.com/reportages) target="_blank" rel="nofollow"

FAQ (expanded):

Q: Exactly how many medium apples are in one bushel?
A: Approximately 120–130 medium apples when using 42 lb per bushel and about 3 medium apples per pound.

Q: Is a bushel the same worldwide?
A: No. Bushel measures vary historically and regionally. The U.S. commonly uses 42 lb for statistical bushel equivalents for apples, but pack weights and local definitions can differ.

Q: How many apples make a gallon of juice or cider?
A: Rough rule: ~36 apples (varies by juicer efficiency and apple juiciness).

Q: Should I buy apples by bushel or by weight?
A: For clarity and fairness, buy by net weight (lbs or kg) and specify pack type; bushels are useful shorthand but can hide variance.

LSI Keywords (whole-article): apples per bushel, bushel to pounds, apples per peck, apple packing standards, apple yields per bushel, 42-pound bushel, apple storage cold storage, applesauce yield per bushel.